Situational Awareness

I am signed up for Aware and Prepare alerts. However, a better and immediate alert is available via Pulse Point. This is a free app available for iPhones and Android devices. It provides real-time emergency dispatch information for EMS and fire calls. It can be programmed to sound alerts for selected types of calls like vegetation fires.

I received an alert for the initial and second alarms for the Holiday Fire. I turned on my fire receiver and heard the first unit’s report that it was a working fire. Next the battalion chief responding called for a second alarm — mutual aid strike teams and evacuations. This was all within minutes of the 8:39 p.m. call out.

I called friends in the vicinity to make sure they were aware of the fire. Yet, one of my friends did not receive a reverse 9-1-1 call until 1 a.m.! Fortunately, she was well aware of the situation.